William Robert “Bob” Williams

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William Robert “Bob” Williams passed away peacefully Nov. 21, at home.

A memorial service will be held Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home with Pastor Brandon Frenzel officiating. Visitation will precede the memorial service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Bob was born Jan. 30, 1942, in Falfurrias, to Claude and Mary Etta Williams. Bob grew up in Teague.

Following his graduation from Teague High School he attended Baylor University on a scholarship from Citizen’s National Bank of Waco. He received his BBA in accounting in 1964.

Bob started his career in banking as a National Bank Examiner in West Virginia, followed by postings in Richmond, Virginia; Dallas and Houston. After 14 years, he returned to Waco as president of Lake Air National Bank, and continued his banking career at Inter-First Bank Waco, N.A. and its successor banks for 26 years, concluding as Senior Credit Policy Officer for Bank of America.

He then joined the Community Bank and Trust family as an Executive Vice President. Bob retired from his 56-year banking career Dec. 31, 2016.

In 1967, Bob married the love of his life, Patty Williams. They began their marriage in Charleston, West Virginia before eventually moving back to Texas and settling in Waco in 1979.

Bob was a devoted father to two children, Tom and Meredith and a loving grandfather to three wonderful grandchildren, Luke, Claire and Sara. Bob was an avid hunter, loved the outdoors and nature and enjoyed many hunting trips with his son and friends.

In his retirement, Bob enjoyed tinkering in the garage and spending time with his grandchildren. Throughout his life, he served on many local boards, including Providence Hospital and Providence Foundation.

Bob and Patty were supporters of many non-profit organizations including Fuzzy Friends, Waco Historic Foundation, Waco Symphony Orchestra, and The Rotary Club.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Mary Etta Williams; his wife, of 51 years, Patty; and his beloved Teacup Poodle, Molly, a Fuzzy Friends Rescue.

Survivors include his son and daughter and respective spouses; Tom and Mandy Williams and Chris and Meredith Gatlin; three beautiful grandchildren, Luke, Claire, and Sara; sister, Liz Dennis and husband Larry and their family; and grand-dogs, Lady, Sadie, and Heidi.

Honorary pallbearers include David Horner, Sam Golden, Paul McClinton, Rondy Gray, Roger Wiebusch and the Community Bank and Trust Board of Directors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The McClinton Cancer Center, The Providence Foundation, Fuzzy Friends, Vanguard College Preparatory School or First Methodist Waco.

Those who wish may leave a message or memory on the “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.